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UK threatens Ecuador over Assange

Britain is threatening to revoke Ecuador’s diplomatic status and “storm” its London embassy unless it hands Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, into its custody.

Ecuador last night delayed announcing its decision on whether to grant asylum to the Australian after receiving the dramatic ultimatum from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The number of police outside the embassy in Knightsbridge doubled last night as Britain increased pressure on Ecuador, which has sheltered Mr Assange since June.

He faces arrest as soon as he steps out of the building after breaching bail conditions set when the British judiciary agreed with the Government to comply with a Swedish extradition request.

Mr Assange is wanted for questioning in Sweden over rape and sexual assault claims. His supporters fear, however,…